Dave Darrin's Third Year at Annapolis eBook

“Mr. Darrin, why did you feel called upon to
try to defeat the investigation that you foresaw,
and which is now under way?”

“Because, sir, it is contrary to the spirit
of the brigade of midshipmen to carry tales against
each other. I did not care to act contrary to
that spirit.”

“Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that
you did not dare,” observed the O.C. half sneeringly.

“That way of stating it would be true, sir.
I do not care to turn informer against my comrades.”

“Yet you think you possess the courage to become
one of our fighting officers in the future, if the
need arises?

“Of my courage as a fighting man, sir, I am
unable to form any opinion until that courage has
been properly tested.”

“But you are afraid to inform the authorities
of the identity of comrades who commit serious offenses?”

“As it is contrary to the spirit of the brigade,
sir, I would be more afraid of my own contempt than
of any other punishment.”

Lieutenant-Commander Denham appeared to lose some
of his patience presently.

“I wonder,” he remarked brusquely, “why
you midshipmen cannot learn to accept some of your
sense of honor from the officers who have seen so
much more service than you. I wonder why you will
go on formulating your own canons of honor, even when
such beliefs sometimes result in the dismissal of
midshipmen from the service.”

The three midshipmen, not being questioned, remained
silent.

“And so not one of you has the slightest idea
of the original nature of the quarrel in which you
so readily took part? And none of you has any
idea of the identity of the fourth midshipman concerned
in this evening’s work?”

“I have not, sir,” replied Midshipmen
Darrin, Dalzell and Joyce in one breath.

“Very good, gentlemen. The matter will
be investigated further. You will go to your
quarters and remain there. You will take part
in the meal formations, but in no drills or recitations
until you are further advised. And you will not
leave Bancroft Hall without direct orders from competent
authority.”

The three midshipmen saluted, turned and left the
office, going to their own rooms.

“Wow!” muttered Dan as soon as the chums
had closed their door on themselves.

“We shall surely have enough to think of,”
smiled Dave wearily.

“Oh, aye!” agreed Dalzell.

“Oh, well, if we’re going to skip some
recitations we’ll need all the more study,”
sighed Dave, seating himself at his study table and
drawing his books toward him.

But he was not permitted to study long in peace.
Word of the affair had spread, and Hepson presented
himself at Darrin’s quarters in great consternation.

“Great!” mocked Hepson. “Just
when we’ve discovered that the Navy has a dub
team without you two, or next door to one, then you
two go and get ordered to quarters. You’ll
not turn out with us Monday; you may not practice
with us through the week or play in our next game.
Fine!”